April 2011The Mission of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is to foster and promote growth of the business and professional community while enhancing the quality of life in San Dimas.

Offi cial Newsletter of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce

OTHER NEWS INSIDE . . .Pot ‘O Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2Chamber News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3-4A Communication from the Chair . . . . . . . . page 4Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5-6Notes from the President/CEO . . . . . . . . . . page 7Notes from the City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

PIONEERPIONEERPIONEERPIONEERThe

Triple Sales and Build Your Business with All Things

Marketing April Chamber Breakfast – April 7

Providing Networking OpportunitiesCreating a Strong Local Community

The San Dimas Chamber is excited to bring to you a very special guest speaker from Tom Hopkins International. Senior Trainer, Davin Hope will compel you to take the next step in your personal and professional growth and awaken your goals, give you practical skills to achieve them and remind you that life is to be lived in the making… not just making a living!

In addition, members can meet with advertising and marketing vendors who will be on hand showcasing different ways marketing options can improve business. This includes saving money by rethinking how you market

E-Waste Roundup – April 9 & 10 The San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is hosting an

E-Waste Round-up on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 & 10, 2011 at San Dimas High School, 800 W. Covina Blvd. from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

This is a great opportunity to clean out your garage and storage area of all that old electronic equipment and ensure it is properly disposed of here in the United States. Unlike the e-waste collections conducted by the County and that available curbside for households in San Dimas, this round-up is open to anyone from any city and is available for commercial, business and or household e-waste.

The e-waste round-up conducted by the Chamber of Commerce last May brought in over 20,000 pounds that was kept out of the land fi lls.

Do your part for the environment and bring your old TVs, computers, printers, and any item with a cord (except microwave ovens) to San Dimas High School parking lot and we will take it off your hands. We will even take it out of your vehicle for you.

(continued on back page)

“Toast of the Town” An Evening of Food,

Wine and Music — May 19Promoting the Community

Providing Networking Opportunities

Mark your calendars for Th ursday, May 19, 2011for a delightful evening of food, wine and music. Th e San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Sixth Annual Toast of San Dimas.

Th is is THE social event of the season. Tickets are a desired commodity and only 400 are sold. You do not want to be left out so be sure to buy your tickets early. Tickets are not available at the door.

Th is is an elegant cocktail party with enough food and wine to satisfy any one’s taste. We encourage you to dress in your fi nery if you would like (Dress to Impress) and enjoy the best cuisine of our local restaurants. Many of our local dining establishments will be on hand to off er you samples of their best. We have many diff erent wines for your tasting. All of this will be accompanied by easy listening musical entertainment.

Th is delightful evening will be held at the Stanley Plummer Community Building at 246 East Bonita Avenue in San Dimas. It is just north of City Hall and south of the library.

Th ere are several levels of sponsorship available if you would like to provide support for this event and 20 spaces available for restaurants wanting to showcase their food specialties.

Th e “Toast of the Town” is open to everyone over the age of 21. Tickets are only $25.00 per person. For additional information, please contact the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce at (909) 592-3818.

(continued on back page)

Pioneer

April 2011

- 2 -

Individual Member, Tom Nuss, was not at the March Mixer held at The Villas at San Dimas Canyon on March 17th and did not win the $475 Pot O’ Gold. That means the Pot O’ Gold will be $500 at the April 21st mixer being held at the Emeritus at San Dimas, 1740 South San Dimas Avenue in San Dimas. Remember, you must be a Chamber Member and be present at the mixer to win.

POT ‘O GOLD UPDATE

Pot O’ Gold is awarded only to the name pulled (other representatives from that company are not eligible).

~ Chamber News ~Emeritus at San Dimas to Host April Chamber Business Network Mixer

Member Mixer Offers Business Networking Opportunities

Emeritus at San Dimas will host our next mixer on Thursday, April 21st at 1740 South San Dimas Avenue in San Dimas. Emeritus at San Dimas is considered one of the premier continuing care communities in the Greater San Dimas area. The Emeritus staff shares a promise to be compassionate & kind, understanding & respectful- a promise to become extended family to the seniors entrusted in their care.

The Thursday mixer starts at 5:30p.m. and offers door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and our traditional Pot ‘O Gold, which is now up to $500. There is no charge for our mixers. Beverages will be available for purchase at the no host bar. Prospective members are always welcome and encouraged to come by.

Got More Stuff to Donate that’s not E-Waste?

Donations being accepted April 9 Turn your unwanted items into an investment for

the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce. The San Dimas Chamber is working with Our Community Network to help us further our mission to foster and promote growth of the business and professional community while enhancing the quality of life in San Dimas.

You can participate by donating your used items on Saturday, April 9 at San Dimas High School, 800 W. Covina Blvd. from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

Here is How it Works: All you need to do is clean out and collect the things that fi ll your closets, drawers, garages, homes and then bring them Saturday, April 9 to the San Dimas High School from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

There it will be sorted, tagged for us and transported to a store in Glendora called “New Unto Others”. San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is one of many local champions that Our Community Network works with to make this type of fundraising possible. The Chamber will receive a check for the profi t as the items sell. This is by far the easiest way to support a cause that matters to you.

Donations may include: Clothing, Shoes, Toys, Collectibles, Antiques, Tools, Furniture, TVs, Computers, Electronics, Books, Sporting Goods, Miscellaneous Household Goods, and even scrap metals. In fact, anything clean, in good repair and good condition is welcomed.

Items unable to be collected would include mattresses, heavily soiled clothing or furniture, pet soiled items, batteries, paint, hazardous materials and trash.

Simply collecting and donating the old clothing or items that your family no longer uses or wears will have a signifi cant impact in supporting the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce. Drop it by and get a donation receipt.

Feel free to shop at “New Unto Others” as well - 175 Vermont St. Glendora. For more information check out: www.ourcommunitynetwork.org

Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Elaine Regus of ERPR for being our

Ambassador of the Month Elaine has been an ambassador for almost two years now

and is also a member of the Board of Directors. Elaine is a freelance writer and editor with many years of professional experience. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a few well-chosen words are priceless. She specializes in press releases, business profi les, web page content and media/marketing plans.

As ambassador of the month, Elaine will receive a certifi cate suitable for framing and a gift card to Clayton Brewing Co., our Ambassador of the Month Sponsor.

If you would like to be part of our ambassador program and get to meet members during our business walks or help volunteer at chamber events like our monthly networking breakfasts and mixers let us know by calling (909)592-3818.

New Member Spotlight

San Dimas Pet GroomingSan Dimas Pet Grooming is fi nally here! A place in our

town that we can all take our four legged babies to get massaged and pampered. We offer many services for your pets.... if they got fur we are the people that will meet their needs. We offer full service grooming, anesthesia free dentals, aromatherapy massage, pet sitting, dog walking and more! There is also a mobile service that goes out every Monday. Kimberly and Brent Hodson (owners) and long time veterans of San Dimas have over 13 years experience and are also trained in canine CPR.

San Dimas Pet Grooming is located at 143 E. Bonita Avenue. Call 909-238-2784 and schedule an appointment for your cat or dog today. Hope to see you and your best friend soon!

Pioneer

April 2011

- 3 -

~ Chamber News ~

Picture Framing

Family owned & operated ~ Over 30 years of design experience

326 W. Arrow Hwy. San Dimas

“In the heart of San Dimas”

(909) 971-0244

Compare our prices to the competition ~ Total satisfaction guaranteed!

$30 OFF any order over $100

www.lincopictureframing.com

The following members have recently joined our Chamber. We would like to say welcome

and thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

WELCOME!!! . . . to Our Newest Members

New Member SpotlightLaw Offi ce of Craig T. Formica

THE FORMICA BUILDING THE FORMICA BUILDING, located at 464 E. Bonita

Avenue in San Dimas, was recently purchased and named after its owners, Craig and DeAnna Formica. This will be the home for the Law Offi ce of Craig T. Formica, and 11 Executive Suites, ranging from 130 sq.ft. – 300 sq.ft. The entire building has been remodeled, offering everything needed for the small businessperson: A positive work area, access to the lobby, conference room, kitchen, bathrooms, parking, and professional services, with a security entrance/exit. The goal is to provide a very professional, yet comfortable offi ce environment for everyone working or visiting.

Baldwin Construction & Restoration(Construction)

Monique Campos464 S. Cataract Ave. Unit A

San Dimas, CA 91773(909) 592-2292

Government Contracting/Consulting Services

(Consulting)Rick Hartmann(909) 263-6923

Dynamic Heating & Air(Heating & Air)

Jim Evans(909) 215-6530

Farmers Insurance(Insurance)Todd Tippett

430 E. Foothill Blvd., San Dimas, CA 91773

(909) 599-8482

Law Offi ce of Craig T. Formica(Attorney)

Craig & Deanna Formica464 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773

(626) 965-4440

California Pest Management(Pest Control)Jim Harmon

(626) 633-6620

New Member SpotlightTodd Tippett—Farmers Insurance

“My goal is to help protect people’s assets and build dreams for families.”

Farmers Insurance has welcomed Todd Tippett who has eagerly positioned himself as an agent in San Dimas with the vision of being a quality leader in the community. He specializes in fi nding needs and providing solutions for: Homeowners/ businesses/auto drivers/ and loved ones.

“I have joined the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce and partnered with Tim Roe, district manager at Farmers Insurance, in order to have a presence as a professional who will consistently guide families who require the products/services that Farmers Insurance has to offer.”

Todd is located at the Farmers’ offi ces located at 430 E. Foothill Blvd. in San Dimas and may be reached by phone at (909)599-8482. Please stop in and introduce yourselves.

Alan Nash(Individual)

John & Lori Ebiner(Individual)

Dust Bunny Mafi a(Web Design)Bret Juliano

(916) 769-8197

New Member SpotlightONSITE OIL CHANGES

provided by R & B Lube PlusR & B Lube Plus offers a 12-point environmentally safe

and convenient oil change and lube service at your home, offi ce or job site before, during or after normal business hours including weekends.

Owners Randy and Barbara Gray have been in the mobile oil change business since December 2009. They buy from local suppliers (Orange Line oil in Pomona and Kojak Wholesale in San Dimas) to keep your cost low and to support the local economy.

R & B Lube Plus can change oil on cars, trucks, motor homes, forklifts and big rigs. No job is too big!

Service highlights: • Price includes: oil, fi lter, 12-point inspection and proper

oil disposal. • Accurate record keeping for each vehicle’s maintenance. • Easy payment method, cash, check, debit or credit cards. • Flexible scheduling to meet your needs. • Discount given when fi ve or more vehicles are serviced

at one location.

R & B Lube Plus is licensed and insured. Visit them at www.rblubeplus.net; call them at 909-599-7686 or email randy@rblubeplus.net.

Pioneer

April 2011

- 4 -

~ Chamber News ~A Communication from The Chair

This is your Chamber, take advantage of it.The San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is a non-profi t business organization incorporated

in the State of California and committed to the advancement and growth of local business. Our Mission Statement refl ects our goals. One of the fi rst plans of action for an interested party wanting to do business in San Dimas should be to call the Chamber offi ce and get the feel of the business atmosphere, the permitting process, available facility locations, possible local destinations, City demographics, local shopping trends, a list of competing or complimenting businesses, suppliers, freeway access, freight/delivery companies, employment pool, business fi nancing, and so on.

You can see how our offi ce staff needs to be fully informed on basic issues concerning any inquiries having to do with startups or relocations. Keeping informed and having a good working relationship with City Hall, L.A County, Small Business Administration, local, regional and state

Remember to keep the Chamber informed and up to date with your resources, brochures, contacts, phone numbers and websites. Let the Chamber offi ce work for you by passing on your information. Take advantage of your membership. Ask questions, advertise and network to get the full benefi t. This is your Chamber, too.

Margie Green / Rock-Kats by MargieChairman of the Board

Color copies as low as 35¢Color copies as low as 35¢

E-Mail: QIP91773@aol.com

Restrictions apply. Call for details.

Happy Easter!

Customer Service is Our #1 Product

Chamber Board ElectionsAt the February 2011 Chamber of Commerce Board of Direc-

tors meeting, the Chamber Nominating Committee presented a slate of candidates for the open Board of Directors’ 2011-2014 terms. The slate was emailed and mailed to the membership and, with no petitions to have additional names added to the slate, the Board of Directors declared elected the following directors elected at their March meeting:

• Denis Bertone – Individual Member - Incumbent • Mitchell Crawford – Individual Member - Incumbent • Michael Kelly – Bonita Unifi ed School District - Incumbent • Dave Bratt - Individual Member • John Standi - Golden State Water Co. • John Rossfeld - San Dimas Community Hospital

Congratulations to these new and returning directors who will take offi ce on July 1, 2011.

Save the Date - San Dimas Chamber Golf Classic, June 6

Get your clubs cleaned and your golf shoes shined! The San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic will be on Mon-day, June 6 at the beautiful San Dimas Canyon Golf Course in San Dimas.

This is a great way to network with fellow business peo-ple, members of the community, entertain clients, reward employees and have fun along the way. The cost is $125 per golfer and opportunities to promote and market your busi-ness through sponsorships are also available.

If you would like play in the tournament or be a spon-sor for this fun event, please contact the Chamber offi ce at (909) 592-3818. Your support and sponsorships are always appreciated.

organizations is what our chamber does best. Whether it is fi lling out a Certifi cate of Origin or helping a business with signage for a facility, our President/CEO, Karen Gaffney, remains informed and at the front of business education.

Pioneer

April 2011

- 5 -

~ Business News ~A Big Event!

“A Gathering of Eagles”The San Dimas Festival of Arts presents the 35th

Annual Western Art Exhibition & Sale the weekend of April 30th & May 1st. After the two year hiatus, the Exhibition returns to where it began in April 1977, the San Dimas Civic Center Plaza. The community building has been enlarged and will accommodate over 200 pieces of art which the 45 nationally and internationally known artists, from across the nation, will bring. Featured artist, Leslie Kirchner, will give an art seminar; sculptor, Richard Myer will demonstrate the beginning of a bronze sculpture by making a clay model; some of these talented artist will create an art piece in 45 minutes; there will be art auctions both Saturday and Sunday and much more to see and do! No admission or parking charges. The Friday night Grand Opening dinner on April 29th and the Saturday night, April 1st both, Artists’ Awards Dinner must have previous reservations and there is a charge. Information: (909)599-5374 or www.sandimasarts.com. Come join “A Gathering of Eagles”.

San Dimas Chamber Membership Incentive and Referral Program

Sign Up Before April 30Ask for an Express Application Form to become

a member of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce Member. Businesses, (store fronts to home-based businesses), non-profi ts, and individuals are welcome to join and there is no better time to join the chamber than now.

During the San Dimas Chamber’s membership drive and referral incentive program going on now - not only will you reap the benefi ts of being a San Dimas Chamber Member - you will also have to the opportunity to win lots of prizes.

Current members have the opportunity to win big by referring new members and new members, even without a referral, can get into the big prize drawings just by joining. It’s a win, win program for everyone.

The program works like this:

• Join the chamber by April 30 and your name gets entered into the prize drawing.

• Refer a new member by April 30 and both you and the new member get your names entered into the prize drawing.

• Join the chamber and or refer a new member by April 30 and you will receive a special gift as our thank you.

• Refer 5 or more new members, receive a special gift from the San Dimas Chamber, and be entered into a drawing for your chance to win big on May 5.

Prize drawing and gift certifi cates range in value between $5 and $100. An early bird drawing will be held during the chamber’s monthly breakfast on April 7 so the earlier you get in the more chances you have to win.

For more information call the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce at (909) 864-4073 or visit them at 246 E. Bonita Ave. in San Dimas. All entries are subject to new member joining and payments being received before each drawing and before the fi nal drawing on May 5, 2011.

Pioneer

April 2011

- 6 -

~ Business News ~Labor Law CornerHoliday Pay within Company’s Discretion,But Follow Other Wage RulesDana Leisinger, HR Adviser

Do we have to pay holiday pay to our employees, and if so, what is the rate – time-and-a-half, or double time? We are a small employer and don’t pay holiday pay until an employee has worked for us for three months. Is that permissible?

Holiday pay is not mandatory in California; therefore it is completely within a company’s discretion whether to pay an incentive (overtime) rate to employees who work on holidays.

Many employers do pay an incentive rate so as to lessen the “sting” of having to work on a holiday, but it is not mandatory per California law. Any amount is equally allowed, given, of course, that minimum wage is satisfi ed.

Accordingly, putting a “probationary period” on earning holiday pay also is permissible, as long as the probationary period for holiday pay is applied equally to all new hires so as to avoid any claim of discrimination or a discriminatory impact.

Keep in mind that if a non-exempt employee is required to work a holiday after working 40 hours in a week, overtime would indeed apply at the applicable rates.

Overtime also would result if the employee works more than eight hours on that holiday. In addition, an exempt employee must be paid for holidays if he/she is ready, willing and able to work, regardless of if that exempt employee actually works the holiday.

Also, some employers enter into agreements with their employees to pay holiday pay, agreeing on terms between the employer and employee, sometimes negotiated as part of an employment contract. Employers may adopt policies and practices that work with their individual schedules, as long as employees receive the required minimum wage and overtime, if applicable.

The Labor Law Helpline is a service to California Chamber of Commerce.

Bankcard PerspectiveBy Sean Franke

War on debit card fees may lead to increased declines

On April 21, 2011 the Federal Reserve is expected to issue a ruling on fees banks are allowed to charge merchants. Businesses and bankers are taking opposite sides on new regulation to limit debit card fees. Credit card transaction fees will remain unregulated. The Fed has proposed a limit of 12 cents per debit transaction. This would cut the current average of 44 cents that banks make from stores. Small banks would be allowed to charge more.

According to the Federal Reserve stores currently pay banks $16 billion annually in debit card fees known as interchange. Banks claim interchange fees offset costs of checking accounts and other services which may have to be increased if debit interchange revenue is taken away. The current extra revenue also helps offset losses from fraudulent debit card transactions. If the Fed’s cap is enacted banks are looking at capping debit card transactions at $50, to reduce risk. Transactions over $50 would be declined on pin entered debit cards. Customers may be forced to make their purchase with cash, check or credit card. Customers typically can run their debit card as a Visa or MasterCard whose interchange is not fee regulated. In that case banks will make more revenue from the credit card purchase than if the Fed did not regulate debit card fees.Sean Franke is CEO of Electronic Merchant Services Inc., a registered ISO/MSP with US Bank – Minn. MN, providing credit card processing and merchant account services for hundreds of businesses in Southern California. You can reach Sean at sean@emspayments.com or call him at 909-971-9583.

Pioneer

April 2011

Notes From the City Manager

City Hall is back in business at 245 East Bonita Avenue. The renovated and expanded city hall, plaza and community building will open Tuesday, April 5th at 7:30 am. The 13 month project has been completed on

time and under budget. The project added just under 10,000 square feet to the existing city hall, 3,500 square feet to the community building, and completely rebuilt the fountain and enlarged the plaza area. The project replaced and repaired worn and ineffi cient building systems; addressed ADA access issues from the parking lots through the plaza and into the facilities; and updated electrical, cable, and computer wiring systems throughout the building.

Tours of the entire project will be conducted during two events in April; an open house Tuesday, April 12 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Saturday, April 16 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm as part of the city’s annual Family Festival event. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held during the open house at 6 pm. At the open house we will be displaying items that will go into a time capsule that will be sealed up and placed in the renovated plaza. The time capsule placement ceremony will be conducted at 11:00 am as part of the Family Festival event. We are pleased to have the project completed – the renovated and expanded facilities will meet the needs of the public for decades to come. Please come and take a tour of the facilities.

The 2011 edition of the Farmers Market will start April 13th and run through September. The Market will be located on First Street east of Iglesia including a portion of the city hall parking lot. The event begins at 4 pm on First Street; it will end at 8 pm on school nights, 8:30 pm on non-school nights, and 9:00 pm on Music in the Park nights.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions (909)394-6200 and check out our web site for updated information www.cityofsandimas.com.

Blaine Michaelis

- 7 -

business, learn about economic development, give back to the community, support the community, meet new people, learn more about local government, attend business educational workshops and so much more.

Networking opportunities start with attending our monthly breakfasts and mixers. Some of the chamber’s services include informative monthly business bulletins, event coverage, business spotlights, ribbon cuttings, labor law articles, business training and workshop information and best of all new member and renewal listings giving your organization extra exposure. Events such as the Toast of the Town, Birthday BBQ, Western Days, and the Annual Golf Tournament are all great ways for businesses and individuals to get involved, be seen and meet new people.

We know that not everyone can take advantage of all of the opportunities we provide and that’s okay. Many of our services don’t require any participation other than just being a San Dimas Chamber of Commerce member. A good example of this is when a business isn’t even aware that some of their new and long time customers are customers only because of chamber membership. This is because the San Dimas Chamber only refers chamber members. The San Dimas Chamber also distributes a business directory listing and promoting chamber members. We also list your name in the monthly business bulletin when you join and or renew your membership.

Can you afford not to me a member of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce? Support your business community, display your chamber membership plaque proudly, and show you are committed to growing your business by renewing your membership and or joining the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce today.

Sincerely,Karen Gaffney, President/CEOSan Dimas Chamber of Commerce

Notes from the President/CEOSan Dimas Chamber Does It All

The one organization that no business should ever be without is the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce. We offer members every opportunity to grow their business, market their

TROPHIES • PLAQUES • ENGRAVINGBRONZING • ACRYLICS • MEDALS • BRONZE CASTING

The Finest in Personalized Gifts, Awards and Specialty ItemsCUSTOM WORK IS OUR SPECIALTY

T. JOSEPH FRANSEN

402 W. Arrow Hwy., Suite 9San Dimas

(909) 592-9113

127 N. San Gabriel Blvd.San Gabriel

(626) 287-2171

your business to reaching out to potential new customers and even refocusing your marketing efforts to your current customers.

The breakfast will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 7:30am-8:30am at the San Dimas Canyon Clubhouse located at 2100 Terrebonne Ave., San Dimas. The cost of the breakfast is $15 per person. Reservations are needed to ensure adequate seating and food arrangements. Those wishing to attend the breakfast are asked to RSVP by March 31 by calling the San Dimas Chamber at 909-592-3818

April Breakfast . . . continued from front page

If you are a business with a sizeable amount of e-waste where it would be impractical to load up and take to the high school, please call the Chamber offi ce at (909) 592-3818 and we will arrange for our contractor to pick it up at you place of business.

Go Green!

E-Waste Roundup . . . continued from front page

City Councilman, Denis Bertone takes a moment to congratulate owners Paul and Dena South on opening their new business,

Clayton Brewing Co.

The San Dimas Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony in February to welcome Clayton Brewing Co. as a

new business and member.

Marie Irving, the Manager at the Villas of San Dimas Canyon welcomed guests at the March Mixer.

Chamber members took a business tour, mingled, networked, and had a great time during the St. Patrick’s Day chamber mixer.

Kimberly Smith, owner of San Dimas Pet Grooming & Target,

a rescue she adopted.

The San Dimas Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony in March to welcome San Dimas Pet Grooming as a

new business and member.